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Just a small article looking at and trying to explain the common terms that both, the manufacturers and suppliers use when describing and detailing specifications of sheds, summerhouses and log cabins.

Gable: A generally triangular section of wall at the end of a pitched roof. This occupies the space between two slopes. It can also be a whole end wall of a shed having a pitched roof

Apex Roof: This is the most popular style roof and can be seen on this range of sheds the door is normal in the gable end as standard.

Pent Roof: A flat roof building that should have a slight angle applied to it; this is usually about 15 degrees. An ideal model when the height of the building is a prime consideration. An example can be found in this range of pent sheds

Transverse Apex Roof: Still with an apex style roof but instead of the door being in the gable end it is on the side, a good example can be found in this transverse apex log cabin usually the eaves height of the building has to be increased on these.

Pyramid Roof: This has four steeply sloping sides that meet in a point and can be very attractive a decorative element is normally placed on top such as a brass ball or weather vane. It s also known as a pigeon roof. Here is an example of a pyramid roof log cabin

Hip Roof: This roof is formed by four walls that are sloped in different directions with two longer sides forming a ridge at the top. This building is a good example

Ridge Height: This is the very highest point of the building, if it is an apex style it is to the point, if it is a pent style it is to the highest point although usually an upper and lower height is detailed.

Eaves Height: The height of the shed or building from the ground to the point where the roof starts. In the case of pent sheds a lower and upper eaves height is usually given.

Overhang: The dimension of which the roof overhangs the main structure of the building, this can be in any direction and should be especially noted when space is limited, for instance if you plan to site the building next to a wall sometimes the overhang can mean it is prohibitive.

Bearers: These are used to support buildings and run across the floor area. Ideally these should be tanalised, pressure treated. They keep the building from contact with the ground and allow an air gap underneath. Not always necessary but ideal if the base is uneven as the bearers can be leveled relatively easy. Bearer are not really necessary if the base is flat and level and to the footprint of the building.

Floor rails: The pieces of wood that run through the floor at even intervals to support the floor boards themselves.

T&G / tongue and groove: This refers to cladding boards that have a “tongue” or convex side and a “groove” or concave side on the opposite edge. Boards can then be pushed together to provide a secure and smooth joint, these are then nailed onto the framing. Certainly T&G is a better option than shiplap boards. For most uses within the garden buildings the tongue and groove boards are profiled to look like shiplap

Shiplap: Boards are overlapped and nailed to a frame. Traditionally used in cheaper sheds. However, for a rustic, barn style look shiplap is ideal in thicknesses above 12mm

Framing: Traditional timber buildings are built using a technique known as light frame construction and are based around structural members (studs) which provide a stable frame to which exterior cladding can be applied. There are several different thicknesses and dimensions of framing. Although many are described as heavy duty we would not consider a framing heavy duty until at least 50x50mm

Ledged and Braced: A relatively cheap construction method and most doors have this to a lesser or greater degree. It is basically a diagonal member spanning batons or framing across a door. It is designed to prevent the door sagging. Make sure that the diagonal is facing into the hinges; we have often seen it the other way round in cheaper buildings. Ideally the door should be framed, ledged and braced. The traditional range of sheds feature a standard ledged and braced door, whilst the Taylors Manufactured buildings will include a framed, ledged and braced door.

OSB: This is a composite material and is often used in roofs and floors, it's perceived as being a cheap alternative but a good quality board is actually very important, especially when it is subjected to wet use for whatever reason